Imphal, July 09 (NNN): Terming the demand for revocation of June 18 holiday similar to asking the 18 persons killed in the agitation to come alive, the Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN) said that the agitation was launched to safeguard the territorial integrity of the State as the integrity of the Manipur relates to overall integrity of Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram and entire north east.

In a statement, Hericoun said that declaring holiday on June 18 by the State Government is a tribute to the 18 persons who laid down their lives for the integrity of the State and not against any community but for the integrity of the region.

The statement said that those 18 persons who lay down their lives in the agitation is not a joke as the agitation was wholeheartedly joined by all communities living in the State adding thousands still mourns the lost of their dear and love ones till date.

It added that the June 18 agitation was launched not against any community but against evil designs to disintegrate the State.

Terming the ongoing peace talks between GoI and NSCN (IM) as sabotage talks, Hericoun said that the NSCN had diverted from their main demand - sovereignty to other demands to suit their needs.

The statement alleged that the NSCN is hoodwinking the public on the issue thereby keeping the people in the dark on the main agenda of the talks.

It questioned the motive behind the change of stance by the NSCN as there is always room for negotiation and compromise in politics.

It also questioned whether the NSCN has the mandate of the people before embarking on the new agenda.